Perhaps NMHS' most impressive performance, however, was reserved for its runnerup show Dec. 30 in the Danbury holiday tournament.

In competition with the defending state open champion Hatters and several other regional powers, the Green Wave accumulated 161� points to trail only Danbury's 3-2�. South-West Conference rival New Fairfield was third with 129 points in a 17-school field.

Will Sherman earned a runnerup finish at 112 pounds to highlight the NMHS effort.

"I was hoping to advance one or two more wrestlers to the championship round," said coach Burns, but I'm happy. It's an honor to just get invited to this tournament... it's a measure to see where you are and what kind of work you have to do."

The NMHS matmen had previously taken third place Dec. 18 in
Norwich Free Academy
's 15-team tournament with 204� points, trailing only Ledyard (240) and Cumberland, R.I. (218�).